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Roof Rat vs. Norway Rat: How Are They Different?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a roof rat

You’ve probably heard of roof rats and Norway rats, but do you know what sets them apart? These two species are the most common types of rats in Texas and the southern U.S., so it’s important to learn what you can about them.

While it’s not always easy to tell rat species apart, roof rats and Norway rats have several key differences.

If you suspect that you have a rat problem of any kind, either inside your house or on your property, call in a pest control professional. 

Roof Rat Identification: Habitat, Appearance and Behavior 

As their name suggests, roof rats, pictured above, are known for their climbing abilities. They often climb trees or powerlines to access your roof. From there, they find a small opening to enter your house and set up camp in your rafters, inside your walls or in your attic.

Roof rats prefer warm environments, which is why they like to … Read Full Post »

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Where to See Christmas Lights in Bryan, TX

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
Christmas lights

The holiday season will be here before you know it, and there are plenty of fun holiday events to enjoy in Bryan, Texas. Our city offers multiple ways to take in Christmas lights to help get you in a festive mood. Along with Christmas light displays, Bryan offers holiday parades, markets, strolls and art fairs.

Looking forward to decking out your home for the holidays? Let ABC do the heavy lifting for you. Our professional Christmas light installers can get the job done so you can enjoy the festive season with your family. 

Where to See Christmas Lights in Bryan

Looking for the best Christmas light displays in Bryan? You’re in luck, because the city is full of dazzling displays for all types of audiences. Whether you’re planning a group outing with your book club, a festive date or a family night out, you can find something fun to do in Bryan this … Read Full Post »

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DIY vs. Professional Exterior Cleaning: What You Need to Know

. Posted by in • Houston

DIY vs. Professional Exterior Cleaning: What You Need to Know

DIY Exterior Cleaning: Pros and Cons

When it comes to cleaning the outside of your house, you might be wondering if you should tackle it yourself or hire a professional. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

Cleaning the exterior involves removing dirt, grime, and mold that can build up on the surface over the years. Use a pressure washer for a more thorough cleaning, especially if you haven’t cleaned your house in a few years. Regular cleaning helps keep your home looking fresh and can prevent damage from things like mold and mildew.

If you decide to do it yourself, you’ll need to buy or rent equipment like pressure washers and cleaning solutions. It can be a rewarding project, but it’s also time-consuming and physically demanding. Plus, you might miss some spots or accidentally damage your home if you’re not careful.

On … Read Full Post »

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Your Guide to Christmas Lights in Corpus Christi

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
Christmas lights

Throughout the holiday season, locals and tourists flock to Corpus Christi to take in the many stunning Christmas light displays. Our coastal town is known for going all out for the holidays, and it’s never too early to make your Christmas bucket list.

Want to get your home in the holiday spirit, too? Save time by reaching out to ABC for professional lighting services.

Your Guide to Christmas Lights in Corpus Christi

Bright lights and holiday magic fill the streets of Corpus Christi come Christmastime. Our city becomes filled with spectacular light displays and events that the whole family can enjoy. 

Lights go up in November and stick around through early January. It’s the perfect time for neighborhood strolls with your loved ones and a hot chocolate in hand. Some of the best options include:

  • Peppermint Lane
  • Christmas Tree Forest
  • Candy Cane Lane
  • H-E-B Christmas Tree … Read Full Post »
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How to Repair and Revitalize a Damaged Lawn

. Posted by in • Houston

Revitalize Your Lawn

How to Repair and Revitalize a Damaged Lawn

A lush, green lawn enhances the beauty of any home, but achieving and maintaining this can be challenging. Various factors, such as compacted soil, lawn diseases, and extreme heat, can cause damage, leading to dead patches and brown grass.

Repairing and revitalizing a damaged lawn involves a combination of proper lawn care practices, soil management, and consistent maintenance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you bring your lawn back to life.

First, assess the condition of your lawn. Identify areas with dead grass and brown lawn patches to understand the extent of the damage. Dead grass can result from several factors, including drought, pests, or diseases, and may require different treatments depending on the cause.

For instance, lawn diseases may necessitate fungicides, while pests could require insect control solutions. Conduct a soil sample test to check the soil pH and nutrient levels, … Read Full Post »

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Planting With Compost: Expert Advice From The Pros

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
compost

What do grass clippings, dead leaves, coffee grounds and dinner scraps have in common? They can all be used to create or feed a compost pile. Then you can use the compost to help keep your trees, plants, fruit and vegetable garden and soil healthy.

Planting with compost is easy if you know the basics.

What is Compost?

First, let’s talk about what compost is and what it’s used for. At its most basic, compost is simply partially decomposed organic matter. In other words, plant and other material that is nutrient-rich because it’s in the process of breaking down. Over time, this mixture turns into fertile soil.

Gardeners use compost to add important nutrients and microbes to the soil, in order to build its structure and help plants thrive. Compost is often considered one of the most effective soil amendment options.

Compost Can Improve Your Soil

If you live in an area that has clay-like soil, … Read Full Post »

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Deer Mouse Vs. House Mouse: Which Is The Bigger Pest?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Have you noticed signs of mice in your home? If so, you may want to know what type of mice is taking up residence in your home.

If you suspect that a mouse infestation is taking over your home, contact a pest control service.

Deer Mouse Versus House Mouse: Which Is the Bigger Pest?

Deer mice and house mice, pictured above, are two common rodents that homeowners encounter inside their houses. Deer mice transmit hantavirus, making them more of a problem than house mice. However, you’re more likely to find house mice in or around your home. It’s helpful for homeowners to understand the difference between deer mice and house mice so they can correctly identify a mouse infestation and take the proper steps to control it.

These two types of mice differ in three main ways:

  • Appearance
  • Behavior
  • Nesting and habitat

Let’s examine these in more detail.

Deer Mouse … Read Full Post »

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Organic Lawn Care: Techniques and Benefits

. Posted by in • Houston

Organic Lawn Care: Techniques and Benefits

Organic lawn care is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want a lush, healthy lawn without the use of synthetic chemicals. This approach focuses on nurturing the soil and grass through natural methods, leading to a sustainable and environmentally friendly yard. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various techniques and benefits of organic lawn care, helping you transition to a chemical-free lawn that thrives year-round.

Organic lawn care revolves around the principle of feeding the soil, which in turn nourishes the grass. Organic fertilizers, such as alfalfa meal, feather meal, and compost tea, provide essential nutrients and improve the soil surface health. Unlike conventional lawn care, which relies on synthetic chemicals, organic methods promote long-term grass roots development and seed germination.

Conducting a soil test is essential before starting your organic lawn journey. A soil test reveals the pH level, nutrient content, and organic matter present … Read Full Post »

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Heater Blowing Cold Air? How To Solve This Problem

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Heater Blowing Cold Air

Have you ever turned on your heater, only to notice cold air blowing through the vents? Calling in an HVAC technician to repair the unit might be your first move. Before you do that, you can start by understanding why your heater is malfunctioning.

Some issues are easy to fix on your own, while others require help from an HVAC pro.

Common Reasons Why Your Heater Is Blowing Cold Air

A frequent complaint of homeowners during the colder months is noticing that their heater is blowing cold air. There are typically eight reasons why this happens.

  • The heater is still warming up
  • The pilot light is out
  • The heater is not powerful enough
  • Incorrect thermostat setting
  • Dirty air filter
  • Blower motor problems
  • Cracked heat exchanger
  • Blocked or leaky ductwork

Let’s dive into each of these issues.

The Heater Is … Read Full Post »

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Maintaining Lawn Equipment: Best Practices

. Posted by in • Houston

Lawn Equipment Maintenance

Maintaining your lawn equipment is essential for ensuring optimal performance and extending the lifespan of your tools. Proper care and maintenance are crucial whether you’re using a traditional lawn mower or a more specialized electric mowers. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the best practices to keep your lawnmowers and other equipment running smoothly throughout the mowing season and beyond.

Regular lawn mower maintenance is key to preventing breakdowns and ensuring that your equipment performs efficiently. Proper upkeep includes tasks such as sharpening lawn mower blades, cleaning the mower deck from grass clippings, and checking for any signs of wear and tear. To avoid issues, it’s important to perform lawn mower maintenance consistently and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you’ve recently purchased a new lawn mower, establishing a maintenance routine early on will help you get the most out of your investment. This guide will cover essential steps … Read Full Post »

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